Course

Our main interest is a study of the information processing in the human auditory system. We apply a psycho-acoustical approach to the study of fundamental characteristics of the human auditory system such as timbre perception, loudness perception, characteristics extraction, and sound localization. Moreover, in recent years, we are also investigating human multi-modal information processing including hearing.

With good knowledge of the human auditory system, we are, at the same time, aiming at the realization of a ‘comfortable’ sound environment exploiting digital signal processing techniques. Three-dimensional sound image control by simulating transfer functions of sound paths from sound sources to listeners’ external ears, and a sound field simulator based on precise sound field analysis and control are two examples. These systems are expected to provide a high-quality virtual sound space, which is keenly required to realize in the multimedia communication, cyberspace systems and virtual auditory display systems. Furthermore, we have been devoting a lot of effort to the development of new algorithms of digital watermarking, safer voice over internet protocol, and advanced digital hearing aids.